It wasn’t Raisa. That voice didn’t belong to any of the nurses. But I was right back where I’d started. Erik and Yusef hadn’t recaptured me. But I was here again. That big bedroom. In the big house I’d left with Misha and Alexsei.
Misha!
Alexsei!
They had to be alive if I was here.
A tall brunette strode into view. Her face was a regal one, fit for a queen. High cheekbones. Smooth, tanned skin. Sharp, calculating eyes. And something hidden in the sleek, graceful confidence she moved with that warned me that she wasn’t someone to mess with.
“Kalina. You are safe here.”
“That—” My voice was strangled. Too rough to use. Once more, I was overcome with a coughing fit. “That’s not?—”
She pursed her lips, showing me a mix of argumentative sympathy, if such an oxymoron existed. Holding out a glass of water, she lifted her free hand, warding off a nurse who rushed to reach me at the sound of my distress.
I sipped, gulping the cool liquid. “That’s not true.”
She shook her head. “You are safe here.”
“That’s not true!” I wanted to scream it, but my voice couldn’t manage that.
“This building will not be ambushed. No one would come close enough to attack or send a fucking rocket through any damn window here. Because I would be livid if any stupid enemy or rival or moron tried to threaten me and my children.” She stabbed a finger at her chest with the claim. “And so help me God, if Luka Dubinin ever fails to make that a reality, he can kiss our marriage goodbye.” Leaning forward, she narrowed her eyes. “No oneis going to hurt anyone inmyhome.”
As if she could will it.
Who the hell…?
“You are safe here, Kalina.” She straightened. “Take my word for it.”
“I took Alexsei’s word for it,” I snapped.
“Then takeminenow. I am Gabriella Dubinin.” She lifted her chin. “You weren’t ready to meet me before when you were a guest previously, but welcome. I have come on standby so you wouldn’t be alone when you wake. Alexsei is still speaking with Luka, his uncle. My husband.” She arched one brow. “The boss of the Dubinin family, who is extremely furious that the Riveras dared to attack the cabin while you were recovering there.”
It stopped feeling like a recovery and more like a vacation. But it had all ended so cruelly. So horribly. I trusted Alexsei, and look what I got for it.
I’d almost died. I was hurt, struck by a man. Suffocated with all that smoke.
I started to shake my head slightly, not wanting to worsen the throbbing there. She hadn’t told me enough to answer all of the urgent questions flooding my head, but I wasn’t necessarily rejecting what she said so far.
“All the threats have been eliminated.”
I narrowed my eyes. “My brother and his friend are dead too?” I didn’t dare to hope for it. The world couldn’t be that great.
“No.” She furrowed her brow slightly. “But the reports are that all the Rivera men who snuck out to the cabin are dead. All of them. My husband and Alexsei are with the others, dealing with the traitors within the organization who made the lethal mistake of selling the information to our enemies.” Her lips clamped together in a firm line.
I wanted to laugh. Likeshehad any right to be mad on my behalf.
“Believe me, Kalina. I know exactly what it feels like for someone within the Dubinin employ to turn traitor. To have your life at stake.”
I had no reply. It was a struggle just to stay in this conversation with her and not go numb.
“A former employee sold intel about me, and I almost paid with my life. I understand the fury and outrage that can take over inthe aftermath of it all. So hearme, and believe me as a fellow survivor, that you are safe here.”
How can I know?
How can you know?
Alexsei swore he’d keep me safe and he’d let me down.
